James William "Toots" Tanks

Mr. James William "Toots" Tanks, 85, of Martinsville, VA transitioned on Friday June 26, 2026 at Sovah Health - Martinsville. He was born December 5, 1940 in Powhattan, West Virginia a son of the late James "Jim" and Mary Lou Moore Tanks. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Hazel Juanita Zigler Tanks.

James was a graduate of G. W. Carver class of 1959. He was a U. S. Army veteran and was employed at the Fieldcrest Lodge, E. I. Dupont before pursuing a career in truck driving for 55 years. James was a member of Gibraltor Lodge, the American Legion Homer Dillard Post # 78 and a member of Mt. Olive East Christian Church (DOC).

He is survived by two daughters, Stephanie Tanks, of the home; and Cedejah Myers of Charlotte, NC; one god-don, Dominique Preston, of Christiansburg, VA; two sisters, Jean Watkins, of Bassett, VA; and Darryl (Leon) Walker, of Lawrenceville, VA; three brothers, Harold Tanks, and Henry Riley (Gloria) Tanks both of Martinsville, VA and Talmadge (Julie) Tanks, of Goodyear, AZ; and a host of nieces, nephews cousins and many friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday July 7, 2026 at 12:30 PM at Mount Olive East Christian Church with Dr. Kenneth Davis, officiating. Burial will follow in Carver Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church one half hour prior to the funeral and will be at the home at 3855 Preston Road, Martinsville, VA at other times. A public viewing will be held Monday, July 6, 2026 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Hines Funeral Services Chapel.

A ministry of service provided by Hines Funeral Services.